Small nurseries are like delicatessens for gardeners, full of rare and special treats unlikely to be found on the display benches in the big garden centres.
In Ireland, most are run by one or two people, plant lovers themselves, working long hours to bring Irish-grown treasures to other gardeners. The businesses are spread from one end of the island to the other, so when they come together in one place it’s a chance for plant lovers to indulge in a bit of horticultural gourmandising. More than a dozen members of the newly formed Irish Specialist Nursery Association will be at the Red Stables in St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin today (10am-4pm) and at Farmleigh, next to the Phoenix Park, on April 4th and 5th. Dates of further opportunities to restock our gardens after the cruel winter are available from the group’s website, isna.ie.